Hepatitis B: A Lethal Menace to the Liver

Meera was diagnosed with hepatitis B at age 42, and her experience highlights a key message: with the right knowledge and proactive steps, life doesn’t have to stop after a diagnosis.

Hepatitis B is a severe liver infection. However, by following appropriate treatment, making healthy lifestyle changes, and having a supportive network, individuals can live a fulfilling life. 

Hepatitis B is an infection triggered by a virus that primarily impacts the liver and leads to inflammation. If it isn't properly managed, it can lead to long-term liver damage. Hepatitis B infections can be classified into two categories: acute and chronic. Acute hepatitis B happens soon after someone is exposed to the virus and usually resolves within six months. However, if the virus stays in the body longer than six months, it becomes chronic, meaning it needs ongoing management to prevent complications.

The liver is essential for keeping the body healthy. It filters out toxins, stores nutrients, and produces proteins that help blood clot. When hepatitis B causes inflammation in the liver, it has difficulty carrying out these essential functions.

Hepatitis B symptoms vary from mild to severe. Some people might start experiencing symptoms as early as two weeks after exposure, while for others, it could take up to six months. Surprisingly, many people, especially young children, may not show any symptoms, making early detection challenging.

Common hepatitis B symptoms

“When I started feeling tired all the time and noticed my eyes had a yellowish tint, I knew something wasn’t right. I’m glad I didn’t ignore the signs,” says Meera*. 

Other hepatitis B symptoms include: 

Jaundice, characterised by a yellow colouration of the skin and the eyes’ sclera, occurs when the liver is unable to eliminate a substance known as bilirubin. It is usually accompanied by fatigue — a feeling of extreme tiredness that doesn’t go away with rest.

Other symptoms include: 

• Low-grade fever
• Joint pain
• Loss of appetite and weight loss 
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain is felt on the upper right side, where the liver is located
• Urine that appears darker than usual can indicate a liver function problem
• Stools that are light grey or clay-like in colour due to lack of bile production by the liver.

Hepatitis B is spread via contact with infected bodily fluids like blood, semen, and vaginal fluids. However, it can be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy. 

Up to 90% of infants who contract hepatitis B from their mothers at birth will develop chronic hepatitis B.

It’s not spread through casual contact like hugging or sharing utensils, but certain activities and situations pose higher risks.

• Using needles contaminated with infected blood can easily transmit the virus.
• Having unprotected sex increases the likelihood of coming into contact with the virus through blood or other bodily fluids.
• Tattooing or piercing with unsterilised equipment could carry the virus from one person to another.
• Objects such as toothbrushes, razors, or scissors that may come into contact with infected blood or bodily fluids can also transmit the virus.
  

“The best method to prevent hepatitis B is by getting vaccinated. Additionally, practising safe sex, avoiding sharing needles, and ensuring proper sterilisation of medical instruments can reduce your risk of contracting the virus,” says Dr Rajeev Hingorani, a gastroenterologist in Mumbai. 

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) can survive outside the body for at least seven days, so even small traces of dried blood on items like razors or toothbrushes can still pose a risk of transmission.

If left untreated, chronic hepatitis B can lead to severe liver damage over time. The two most common complications of hepatitis B are cirrhosis and liver cancer, which can be life-threatening. 

While the liver can regenerate itself, prolonged inflammation caused by the virus can lead to scarring that disrupts its normal functions.

With a well-rounded treatment plan that includes regular medical care, healthy lifestyle changes, and emotional support, one can continue to lead a meaningful and fulfilling life even with a diagnosis of hepatitis B. 

At times, the virus is in an inactive carrier state. Here, the individual does not need any specific treatment and requires monitoring at regular intervals. If liver damage is detected with respect to inflammation or scarring of liver tissue, medications are prescribed for life.

Building a support system with loved ones, connecting with healthcare professionals, and seeking help from counselling or support groups can help you face the challenges with confidence and resilience.

Remember that every day is an opportunity to take small, positive steps towards a healthier and happier life.

Hepatitis B is one of the most widespread viral infections worldwide, affecting over 250 million people. However, its prevalence varies by region. It’s most common in parts of Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and the Pacific Islands, where more than 8% of the population may be infected. In contrast, countries like the United States and those in Western Europe have a prevalence rate below 1%.

Pregnant women with hepatitis B can pass the virus to their babies during childbirth, especially if they have a high viral load or are positive for a specific marker called HBeAg. Without any intervention, there’s a 70%-90% chance of transmission. However, this risk can drop to 10%-40% with the right steps. If a pregnant woman has a high viral load, antiviral medication may be given during the last trimester to reduce the virus levels and lower the chances of passing it to the baby.

There isn’t a cure for chronic hepatitis B yet, but antiviral medications can effectively manage it. These medications help keep the virus in check, reducing its activity and preventing liver inflammation. This, in turn, lowers the risk of long-term complications like cirrhosis and liver cancer. 

With the right treatment and lifestyle changes, many people with chronic hepatitis B can live a normal life. Studies show that people who follow their doctor’s advice, take their medications consistently, and go for regular check-ups have a life expectancy similar to those without the infection.

Thanks to strict screening practices, the chances of getting hepatitis B from a blood transfusion are now extremely low. Blood donations are carefully tested for the presence of the hepatitis B virus using several methods, including advanced tests that can detect the virus even at very low levels. 

Hepatitis B is typically diagnosed through a series of blood tests. These tests identify specific markers of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) in your blood and assist in finding out whether the infection is acute or chronic.
Early diagnosis through these tests is essential for managing the infection effectively and preventing complications.